Billy Gene Mackey

Billy Gene Mackey was born July 4th 1942 in Bakersfield California to Lilly Moore and Wilson Mackey. Billy attended Fremont Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High and graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1961. He earned 10 letters while attending East High and set the 180-yard low hurdles national record in 1960 that remained unbroken for 25 years. He was also a standout football and basketball player. Billy was the first African American to receive the Bobby Blade award. He went on to play football for one year at Bakersfield College and played for the Los Angeles Rams as a kick returner and halfback. Mackey was inducted into the Bob Elias Kern County Hall of Fame in 2001. As a result of a knee injury while paying for the Rams, Billy had an early retirement from professional sports and moved back to Bakersfield and began to work with several youth groups where he was a mentor and supporter.

Billy lived in Bakersfield and was self-employed until his death. He was a member of the Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church and worked with several youth groups including the Boys Club, YMCA, and the “Big Brothers” Organization.

Today, Billy leaves behind his wife Marissa, son, Billy Mackey Jr. Detroit, MI. and 3 daughters Kathy Mackey of Atlanta, GA., Lori and Shawnece Mackey, Shanti Corker all of Bakersfield, CA., Step-father Deron Johnson of Bakersfield, CA. Five brothers, Richard, Wilson, Stanley, Steve and Glenn Mackey, sister Adrienne (Mackey) Jones. Grandchildren Lecresha Bagsby, Johnny Jenkins, Morgan Crowell, Kelijha Blackwell. A host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, church family, co-workers and friends who loved him and will sorely miss him.

Billy lived with the hope of being re-united with us when the voice of the Archangel and the trump of God shall sound…when the Saints go marching in!

Viewing on Thursday, November 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and services will be held Friday, November 12, both at Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1330 “L” Street.

Arrangements under the direction of Mish Funeral Home, Bakersfield, CA.